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Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ.

Galatians 5:1 (GW) Christ has freed us so 
that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom. 
Therefore, be firm in this freedom, and dont become 
slaves again.  

COMMENTARY PEARL

   I dont always agree with the decisions 
and policies that our government officials 
enact. Im not always pleased with the results of 
our elections. But that doesnt mean I dont 
appreciate the wonderful privilege of living in the 
United States. We enjoy liberties that people in 
many other countries long for but have never 
known in their lifetime. Despite our nations 
shortcomings and problems, we have much to celebrate.  
   In New Testament times, the nation of 
Israel was ruled by Rome. The people suffered from 
tyranny and unfair treatment. As the promised 
Messiah, Jesus did not set Israel free from 
oppression, which confused many of His followers. He 
did, however, set Mary Magdalene free from evil 
spirits. He freed the woman at the well from guilt 
over a shameful past. He freed a man roaming a 
graveyard from mental illness. He set countless people 
free from blindness, paralysis, and all sorts of 
infirmities. He even set Lazarus and a few others free 
from the grave. But He didnt stop there.  
   Most importantly, Jesus died on the cross 
and rose again to set us free from the penalty 
of our sins. We no longer have to live under 
the tyranny of harmful habits and destructive 
behaviors. We dont have to be in bondage to ungodly 
temptations.  
   Our human nature will keep fighting to 
drag us back into slavery to sin. But with help 
from Jesus, we can choose to draw from His divine 
power to live a life that pleases Him and brings 
us joy and purpose. And that is certainly worth 
celebrating every single day. by Dianne Neal Matthews  
   Faith Step: Take a few moments to 
prayerfully examine your life. What is it that you need 
Jesus to set you free from? [Mornings With Jesus 
2020 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] 

COMMENTARY

The Price of Freedom
   I've been remembering this morning that 
our country's freedom is not, and never was, 
free. I've buried some friends who were soldiers, 
even during our latest war in the Middle East. 
But it was Vietnam that affected me the most. My 
dad was called to serve, and he was gone for 
more than a year.  
   My mom had a little tape recorder, and we 
would sit around and record messages to send him. 
We hoped that hearing our voices would be 
comforting. I also remember that we checked the mail 
every day to see if we had received a recording 
from him. When we did get one, we'd run into the 
house, call everyone together, and listen. Just 
hearing his voice made us feel better. It gave us 
hope that he would come home soon. And thanks to 
God, he finally did.  
   The freedom of worship we enjoy in our 
country was purchased by the lives of those brave 
warriors - both men and women - who didn't come home, 
those who paid the ultimate price. We should give 
thanks every day for those who bought our freedom 
and for Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price 
for our eternal freedom. His death and 
resurrection bring us hope that one day we will be with 
our heavenly Father forever.  
   Heavenly Father, thank you for the 
freedoms you have given us through your Son, Jesus, 
and those who have given their lives so that we 
might be free to worship you. In Jesus' name, 
Amen. [Celebrate Recovery Daily Devotional by John 
& Johnny Baker] 

Im Sorry, Really?
   Several years ago, my son-in-law asked me 
to teach him cabinet-making. He had never done 
this kind of work before, so I agreed. We 
immediately ran into a problem. My son-in-law was eager 
to learn, but he didn't understand the value of 
wood. He would often make mistakes and then say, 
"I'm sorry." The next day he would repeat the 
same mistake and make the same response. After a 
while, I realized I would have to confront him. I 
called him into my office and said to him, "These 
mistakes are costing me money. I don't want to hear 
you apologize again until you're ready to start 
doing things differently." 
   I noticed a change that very day. My 
son-in-law started paying more attention to what he was 
doing, and his mistakes were reduced dramatically. 
He understood that his mistakes were costing 
someone - me. He doesn't have to say, "I'm sorry, 
much anymore, and he has become a fine 
cabinetmaker! 
   When I fail to understand the price that 
was paid for me, I repeatedly make poor choices. 
Grace is not free. The price that was paid for me 
is greater than my human mind can comprehend. 
That's why I pay attention to what God has 
instructed me to do and carefully consider my choices 
before I jump into something. My mistakes cost me 
nothing, but they cost God his Son. 
   Oh my Father, forgive my careless 
mistakes and help me to consider my ways carefully. 
In Jesus' name, Amen. [Celebrate Recovery Daily 
Devotional by John & Johnny Baker] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS TOPIC

John 8:31, 32 - True Freedom is in A 
Relationship with Christ! 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200828-0847.html 

John 8:36 - Freedom Like No Other!

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2008/20080703-1935.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides: 
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor 
(live now): https://www.revelationnow.com/ 

Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of 
Adventist World Radio (recent): 
https://bible.awr.org/en/the-signs/ 

Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW: 
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657